Statement of Canada

The Group welcomes the establishment of the Informal Expert Group on Women and Peace and Security as an outcome of resolution 2242 (2015) to facilitate a more systematic approach to the agenda in the Council and enable greater oversight and coordination of implementation efforts. We strongly encourage the Informal Expert Group to include in its work the regular participation of civil society and to share its conclusions with all Member States.

Recognizing that Member States and regional organizations are influential actors in the implementation of all women and peace and security resolutions, the Group emphasizes the importance of national action plans, with appropriate resourcing, monitoring and civil-society consultation. The Group welcomes the establishment, led by Spain, of the women and peace and security national focal point network, which will periodically share and exchange lessons learned and best practices. The Group also welcomes the establishment of the Global Acceleration Instrument as one avenue to attract resources, coordinate responses and accelerate implementation.

Canada is implementing this agenda domestically by renewing our action plan on women and peace and security; ensuring the meaningful participation of women in our peace operations; incorporating a gender-based approach into military operations; and providing support to survivors of sexual violence in conflict zones.